Couple put historic village pub up for sale in Rauceby to go travelling

The Bustard Inn, Rauceby. EMN-161018-135828001

Andy Hubbert

A couple who bought their historic village pub plan to retire after 10 years behind the bar.

Alan and Liz Hewitt bought their village pub, The Bustard Inn, 10 years ago having lived in South Rauceby since 2001.

They completely turned the business around giving the historical pub a full refurbishment and refit to build it up into the dining pub and popular function space it is today.

Over the last eight years the pub has held a prestigious AA rosette and been recommended in both the Michelin Guide and the Good Pub Guide thanks to their Head Chef Phil Lowe. The couple now hopes to pass the baton to new owners who will care for it as much as they have, with the established management and kitchen team in place enabling them to take over the operation smoothly.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie and Co has been instructed to find new owners for the pub which is a Grade II listed building dating back to 1860 and includes a lounge bar area, a restaurant and a private dining room.

Upstairs there is a large one-bedroom flat, a staff changing room and large office. It was built as a pub by the owners of Rauceby Hall out of local stone with a slate roof, and its name is derived from the Great Bustard which became extinct in England apparently after the last one was shot nearby in the early 1830s.

The pub also has historical connections to the royal family through the nearby RAF College Cranwell, attended by King George VI prior to his coronation and most recently, Prince Charles. They were said to visit the pub often as many personnel still do today.

The business is licensed for weddings and also serves a range of real ales – a particular favourite being the ‘Cheeky Bustard’.

Alan and Liz now intend to spend more time on the road in their well-earned retirement having recently purchased a motorhome.

Tom Rawlinson, Business Agent in Christie and Co’s Nottingham office comments: “Alan and Liz saved this pub when they bought it 10 years ago. They gutted the place and installed brand new equipment and facilities which are all still in great condition and working order.

“It is the only pub for three miles around so attracts a good mix of locals and those from further afield who know of it from its high reputation. This would suit a first-time buyer due to the pub having an experienced management team who remain in place to run the operation, or an established operator who is looking for their next challenge in what is an already profitable business with even further potential.”